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Gavin Whyte enjoys dream debut as Northern Ireland swat aside Israel

Gavin Whyte will never forget his introduction to international football

John Percy

11 September 2018 • 9:43 PM

There are sterner tests ahead for Northern Ireland, but Gavin Whyte will never forget his dream introduction to international football.

Whyte, the Oxford United attacker, had only been on the field for 106 seconds when he converted the third goal, with his first touch in a green and white jersey.

The youngster was playing part-time with Belfast-based side Crusaders earlier this year but his memorable debut perfectly captured the mood of this new era under Michael O’Neill.

This was only O’Neill’s second victory in nine matches but will send his squad into two daunting Uefa Nations League dates against Austria and Bosnia-Herzegovina next month with confidence restored.

Whyte said: “It was a special moment to even get on the pitch so to score with my first touch is something I’ll never forget.

“The last six months have been amazing for me and I still can’t believe it, coming from part-time to professional football.”

Whyte (R) celebrates his goal
Credit: Getty Images

After narrowly missing out on qualification for the World Cup in Russia, O’Neill has adopted a fresh high-octane, attacking style of football and there is clear progress being made.

They produced arguably one of their best performances under O’Neill in the 2-1 defeat to Bosnia-Herzegovina on Saturday and here, against an Israel team 66 places below them in the Fifa rankings, they were full of verve and vigour.

Steven Davis, the captain, gave them the lead after 12 minutes with a goal straight off the training ground, stroking the ball home from Paddy McNair’s corner with the aid of a deflection.

Northern Ireland increased their lead four minutes before half-time with a composed finish from Leeds’ Stuart Dallas at the far post.

Israel, who included five Maccabi Tel Aviv players in their starting XI, barely tested Motherwell goalkeeper Trevor Carson, or his replacement at the break, Norwich’s Michael McGovern, all evening.

Northern Ireland added a third midway through the second half with Whyte’s memorable moment, less than two minutes after he came off the bench.

O’Neill said: “He’s had an impact and it can’t have gone any better for him. This was a confidence boost and we have to take something into our next two games.”